Best Online Colleges In Kansas

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Updated September 21, 2023

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Get started with your search for top-ranked schools in Kansas. Discover which colleges offer programs that fit your needs.

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Kansas online colleges offer many affordable options for students. In-state students at public schools typically pay the most affordable rates. Students qualify for in-state tuition by living in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Active-duty service members and their dependents qualify for in-state tuition automatically. Some Kansas online colleges offer in-state tuition or other tuition discounts to all online students regardless of residency.

This guide ranks the best colleges in Kansas. It also covers information on common bachelor's programs in Kansas, career and salary outlooks for Kansas students, and scholarship and grant opportunities for Kansas students.


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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2022

#1 Best Online Colleges In Kansas

Fort Hays State University

  • Hays, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Fort Hays State University ranks as one of the top online colleges nationwide. At the accredited institution, distance learners can enroll in one of 24 online bachelor's programs. Students can also choose from 10 online master's programs. The school currently enrolls a total of 8,759 remote learners.

With a campus in Kansas, the public school teaches an average of 1,895 degree-seekers. Virtual learners complete their courses online from wherever they live in the United States. Online enrollees at the institution find many student services designed specifically for them. Students can take advantage of the online school's academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.

The online college meets the demands of today's degree-seekers with programs available in many of the most popular fields. Graduates qualify for diverse career paths with the accredited degrees they earned at the school. The institution emphasizes affordability.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$14,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,582
Out-of-state
$10,206
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
15,908
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Best Online Colleges In Kansas

Kansas State University

  • Manhattan, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online learners can pursue affordable degrees at Kansas State University. The college offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The institution’s programs provide training for entry-level and advanced careers. Nontraditional learners can enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The degree’s asynchronous curricula prioritize flexibility for students. The school offers hybrid degrees with in-person and online sessions. Online programs can offer personalized learning.

Undergraduates choose from four associate programs and 89 bachelor's programs. Nontraditional learners can pursue 26 online master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees. Nontraditional learners pay for their education with affordable tuition and generous financial aid.

Kansas State University Numbers:

Institution Status: Public

Distance Learners Enrolled: 5,850

Programs Available Online: 73

Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 13

Percentage of Enrollees Receiving Aid: 88%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,735
Out-of-state
$25,251
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,212
Out-of-state
$23,050
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
21,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
27% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Best Online Colleges In Kansas

Wichita State University

  • Wichita, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution located in Kansas, Wichita State University ranks among the best online schools. The accredited online school's academic offerings include 10 online bachelor's programs. Online enrollment for distance learning courses at the institution totals 7,796.

Remote learners use a virtual classroom environment to complete the coursework for their online degree. Program advisors help arrange for students to complete internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements in their local area. Many schools offer student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring for online learners. Graduates leave their program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the institution's many experiential learning opportunities.

The school's students can earn their online degree at an affordable tuition rate. Federal aid programs and scholarships are just some examples of the kinds of financial aid online students at the accredited institution can qualify for.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,709
Out-of-state
$15,890
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,435
Out-of-state
$13,348
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
15,342
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Best Online Colleges In Kansas

Barclay College

  • Haviland, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution located in Haviland, Kansas, Barclay College ranks among the best online schools. Distance learners choose from four online bachelor's programs at the accredited online school. The institution's distance learning courses' online enrollment totals 119.

Remote learners use a virtual classroom environment to complete the coursework for their online degree. Internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements can be completed in a student's local area for many programs. Online learners get access to student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. The institution's experiential learning opportunities prepare graduates to enter the workforce.

The school's affordable tuition rates for online degrees appeal to many students. Financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships, are available to qualified online students at the accredited institution.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,000
Out-of-state
$16,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,110
Out-of-state
$7,110
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
225
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Colleges In Kansas

Baker University

  • Baldwin City, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Kansas, Baker University is a private college. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Learners choose from a catalog of 56 online programs. Online programs provide a comprehensive liberal arts and professional education. Students can pursue degrees in a variety of majors.

The curricula blend classroom theory and practical experiences such as internships and practicums. Some online programs require limited on-campus requirements such as residencies. However, students often complete online programs with no campus visits. Professors bring real-world experience to the classroom. The school’s online services include academic tutoring. Baker University enrolls students at an admission rate of 88%. Online learners afford their education with the school’s affordable tuition and financial aid. Residents and nonresidents pay the same online tuition rates.

The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,300
Out-of-state
$29,300
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
2,595
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Why Choose Kansas for Online Higher Education?

The best colleges in Kansas prepare students for careers in the state's growing industries. Some of the major industries in the state include advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, and aerospace and defense. The state's agriculture and energy fields also need highly trained college graduates.

Students can meet with a career advisor to learn more about the state's career opportunities. These professionals can provide learners with the latest information regarding job openings and trends.

Common Online Bachelor's Programs in Kansas

The following majors help students prepare for careers in the state's largest employment sectors.

Cost of Attending an Online College in Kansas

Online learning offers many financial advantages. For instance, online students often save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and transportation costs. Additionally, some Kansas online colleges allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.

The following table outlines average undergraduate tuition rates in Kansas. Public four-year colleges charge out-of-state students more than private four-year colleges. As a result, out-of-state learners can save money on a degree by attending a private school or a public two-year college.

Average Undergraduate Tuition in Kansas
Location Public Four-Year College Private Four-Year College Public Two-Year College
In-State $8,941 $22,571 $3,435
Out-of-State $23,302 N/A $4,491

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Kansas

Graduates of Kansas online colleges can pursue diverse careers, several of which we outline below. Many of these careers offer strong projected job growth and high salary potential. However, some of these positions may require professional experience in addition to a bachelor's degree.


Highest Paying Careers With a Bachelor's Degree in Kansas
Career Median Annual Salary Projected Growth Rate (2018-2028)
Chief Executives $164,760 -5.5%
Marketing Managers $145,440 8.1%
Sales Managers $144,370 5.1%
Financial Managers $135,720 16%
Computer and Information Systems Managers $124,350 11.3%

Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral

Kansas Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships can help students at Kansas online colleges pay for their degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for Kansas students.

Kansas Scholarships and Grants
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Varies The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship awards funding to graduating high school seniors. Members of any minority group may apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Kansas Military Service Scholarship

Varies Honorably discharged veterans and active-duty military personnel who served in a war zone after September 11, 2001 qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must submit FAFSA results and their DD-214.

Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

Varies Kansas residents training for a career as an RN or LVN can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship sponsor agrees to employ recipients after they graduate.

Kansas Seed Industry Association Scholarship

$1,500 College students majoring in agriculture, grain science, horticulture, or a related field can apply to this scholarship. High school seniors may also apply. Applicants must submit two references and official transcripts.

The Rudd Scholarship Program

Varies Kansas high school seniors with financial need can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and receive acceptance to one of three in-state universities.

Factors to Consider for Online Kansas Schools


Do online credits cost more or less in Kansas?

Kansas ranks among the top 20 states for affordable college tuition.

What is the most affordable college in Kansas?

In 2020, Fort Hays State University charged the most affordable tuition rate of all Kansas four-year colleges and universities.

How long do you have to live in Kansas to get in-state tuition?

Kansas requires new residents to live in the state for 12 consecutive months before they qualify for in-state tuition. Public colleges and universities may waive this requirement for select groups.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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